RICHARD J. GASTON

Lehigh County Deputy Coroner Wayne Snyder ruled the death a suicide and attributed it to asphyxiation by inhalation of helium.

State police said Gaston's body was found shortly before 10 a.m. in a construction trailer on the property of Acme Machine Products Inc., Lower Macungie Township, where he was employed for the past 12 years.

Gaston was the husband of Laurie (Niebell) Gaston.

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of Joan (Rheumer) Gaston of Willow Grove, Montgomery County, and the late Harry Gaston.

He served with the Army in Vietnam.

Surviving with his widow and mother are two sons, James of Bethlehem and Adam, at home; two daughters, Jo-ann of Bethlehem and Holly, at home; two brothers, Thomas and William, both of Willow Grove, and three sisters, Jean of Hatboro, Montgomery County, Sally of Willow Grove, and Roberta DiCarlo of Oreland, Montgomery County.

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Monday in the Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem. There will be no calling hours.